For the last sixteen years, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has been under the direction of Idaho native, Celia Gould, one of the longest serving directors in the country.  From the first day she took office as Idaho’s first female ISDA director, Gould was prepared to make a difference leading one of Idaho’s most important industries.   

During her tenure as director, Gould successfully helped propel Idaho’s ag industry in a direction to make them not only a significant domestic, but also, global producer.  Through her leadership Gould took part in organizing several international trade missions, kept Idaho ag in an upward trajectory through the recession and increased Idaho ag exports from $1.2 billion in 2007 to nearly $2.7 billion in 2021.  After her many years of service, Gould stepped down early January 2023, announcing her retirement after decades of service to Idaho, her time spent not only as ISDA director, but as a representative in the Idaho House from 1986 to 2002.

Taken from an official press release from Governor Little’s office, Gould shared about her time as ISDA director, “I am honored to have worked alongside incredible staff, two great governors, and an industry second to none.  It has been a joy to work on the significant events and quiet efforts that assisted and highlighted Idaho agriculture.”  She continued, “I am now blessed to return to the ranch with my family.”

Following Gould’s retirement, Governor Little appointed ISDA Deputy Director, Chanel Tewalt, as the new director of Idaho ag.  In his press release, Governor LIttle shared, “There are few people who understand every aspect of the Idaho agriculture industry like Celia Gould.  While she will be greatly missed, her retirement is well deserved.  I trust the agency will be in excellent hands under Chanel Tewalt’s leadership.”

Chanel Tewalt has been a part of the ISDA for nearly two decades, coming in as an intern as she pursued her political science degree at Boise State.  During her time at ISDA, Tewalt has worked in several roles, beginning as intern, working as the communications officer and then as deputy director.  Through her years at ISDA, Tewalt has had ample opportunities and experiences that have prepared her to serve as the department’s director.  She has worked in leadership roles dealing with several state and federal issues, has helped break down highly regulatory issues to make real progress, and has always provided an open dialogue and clear communication with the ag industry.  

Not only is Tewalt qualified to sit as director from her years of experience working with ISDA, but also from her own upbringing in agriculture.  Growing up on a sheep operation in southern Oregon, she has seen first hand what it is like for farmers and ranchers as they work to produce a variety of commodities and the sort of interactions they can have with the government.  Tewalt hails from Klamath Falls where her family experienced what she calls an “extremely excruciating experience” between producers and government officials.  

In an interview with Idaho Farm Bureau, which can be found on their Facebook page, Tewalt briefly shares the challenges her entire community, not just producers, faced when in 2001, Klamath Project irrigation water was turned off.  In a time of drought, several scientist felt it was in the best interest to shut off the water to protect the endangered Lost River sucker and shortnose sucker, as well as the Coho salmon which spawn in the Klamath River.

Outraged by the government’s actions, the producers and citizens of the community protested the decision, working until their voices were heard.  The following spring, the government overturned the decision and implemented a new program.  In the fall of 2003, a report came out that not only did the decision to dam up the irrigation water not help the fish populations, but in some instances it may have actually hindered fish population growth.  Tewalt shared with Farm Bureau that these experiences were foundational for her and have played a big part as to why she chooses to work at ISDA.

Tewalt is excited about the future of ISDA saying, “Idaho produces some of the finest quality food products in the world.  Idaho ag is known globally for being a great place to do business because they have quality and consistent commodities and well as being good people to work with.”  As she takes the reins, the new director has two primary goals as she builds on what she call, a “phenomenal foundation.”  

First she was to “highlight the industry at every turn.”  By that she wants to help promote what the industry is doing and help consumers recognize the incredible work it takes to produce and move the nation’s food from farms to families.  Second, she wants to highlight how the staff of the ISDA play a crucial role in the industry.  Through programs, lobbying, global missions, and regulations the ISDA is working to move the high quality products from farmers and ranchers to its consumers.  It may be a big job to step into, but Tewalt looks forward to this great opportunity to serve the Idaho ag industry.